Barran Press - Al Jazeera
In an analysis published on November 7, 2024, the French newspaper Libération identified five men believed to have played pivotal roles in Kamala Harris's defeat in the recent U.S. presidential election held on November 5.
The article highlights a common refrain in political analysis: "Victory has a hundred fathers, but defeat is an orphan."
1. Elon Musk
First on the list is billionaire Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, who reportedly threw his weight behind Donald Trump, actively working to undermine Harris's campaign. The report suggests Musk employed a range of tactics, including racist and misogynistic rhetoric, conspiracy theories, and substantial financial investments to achieve his goals.
2. Joe Biden
The article also mentions President Joe Biden, who quietly withdrew from the presidential race on July 21 to better assist the Democratic Party. Many Democratic executives believe it was too late to make a difference. Voter dissatisfaction primarily stemmed from the economy, a frequent target of Trump's attacks. Despite strong macroeconomic indicators, voters felt the effects of inflation and slow growth, particularly among retirees and younger demographics.
3. Andy Montgomery
Young Black voters, particularly in North Carolina, also contributed to Harris's loss. Andy Montgomery, a young voter who supported Trump, exemplified a surprising trend of increased Republican support among Black and Latino populations in key states. Polls indicated significant gains for Trump among young Black males, complicating Harris's path to victory.
4. Volodymyr Zelensky
The report notes that half of Americans expressed concerns about excessive financial aid to foreign nations, particularly Israel and Ukraine. Trump’s clear stance on Ukraine resonated more with voters, who viewed him as a stronger candidate against Russian President Vladimir Putin, overshadowing Harris's messaging.
5. Benjamin Netanyahu
The ongoing conflict in Gaza created deep divisions within the Democratic Party, with many Muslim voters expressing a willingness to boycott the election in protest of Biden’s unconditional support for Israel. While Harris attempted a more moderate approach, her indecision benefitted Trump, who garnered significant support from Muslim communities without addressing the contradictions in his positions on Netanyahu and the conflict.
The article concludes by emphasizing that while these analyses are significant, they cannot overshadow the role of Donald Trump himself, whom many had underestimated as a formidable political force.